How do shaking tables separate finely ground ore particles?

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mineral processing Schematic diagram of a flotation separation cell.

Shaking tables are used to concentrate finely ground ore particles ranging from 1 millimetre to 50 micrometres in size. The process relies on gravity concentration on an inclined plane, where the material is subjected to both water flow and mechanical vibration.1

As the ore pulp flows down the incline, the particles are stratified into layers based on density, with heavier minerals settling toward the bottom. Simultaneously, the table is vibrated back and forth at right angles to the direction of the water flow. This impact force causes the particles to separate laterally across the table. By combining these forces, shaking tables effectively isolate valuable heavy minerals—such as tin, tungsten, niobium, and tantalum—from lighter gangue material.1